Afe Babalola Drops Defamation Case Against Farotimi After Monarchs’ Intervention

The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has agreed to withdraw the criminal cases against activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi. This decision followed the intervention of Yoruba monarchs, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during a late-night meeting at ABUAD.

Babalola had initiated legal proceedings after Farotimi allegedly accused him of corruption in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. The activist lawyer was arraigned on charges of criminal defamation before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti and cyber-bullying before the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.

Speaking after the monarchs’ appeal, Babalola said, “I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case. The monarchs are here, they have appealed to me over a criminal charge involving somebody who said I was corrupt.”

Babalola had previously resisted appeals from notable figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Catholic Bishop Mathew Kukah, to withdraw the cases. However, he said the intervention of the Ooni and other traditional rulers convinced him to let go.

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The meeting was attended by prominent Yoruba monarchs, including the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe.

The Ooni of Ife, speaking on behalf of the monarchs, praised Babalola for his legacy and assured him that his reputation remained untarnished. “Your name is more than silver and gold,” the Ooni said. “We, the obas, came to appeal to you. Dele Farotimi is your son. Let us resolve this matter in the Yoruba way. Your name is intact.”

Babalola acknowledged the emotional toll of the accusations, emphasizing his journey from humble beginnings to his current status. “There is nothing I am going to gain from his imprisonment or damages. I am not in quest of more wealth; I only find happiness in giving,” he said.

The monarchs’ successful mediation underscores the enduring significance of Yoruba traditional institutions in conflict resolution, with their collective appeal highlighting the power of unity and cultural ethos.